129 AC:

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KING'S LANDINGS

Aemond, genuinely concerned for his pregnant wife, extended a caring hand, eager to escort her to her bedchambers. However, Rhaenya, politely declined, expressing a preference to return with one of her ladies.

"Come on, let's get you to rest," Aemond insisted, his worry etched across his features, fully aware of the challenges that pregnancy could bring.

"I'm alright; I just want to talk to a couple of people before I head back. I'll see you for dinner, okay?" Rhaenya reassured him, turning to face her husband and gently caressing the side of her stomach.

Aemond, though visibly annoyed, reluctantly accepts. "Fine, do what you need to."

As the crowd scattered, and the hall became less crowded, Rhaenya sought out Prince Jacaerys. The exchange of smiles between them spoke of a shared understanding, a connection beyond mere words. Leaning on his shoulder, Rhaenya couldn't help but laugh at the genuine joy in Jace's presence.

"You know I saw your smile from across the room," she teased, her laughter sweet and infectious.

"Of course you did; you're the only person I can smile at!" Jace replied, a mischievous smirk playing on his lips as he revealed a carefully crafted purple necklace. Rhaenya was surprised at the gift.

"I had it made just for you while exploring King's Landing!" Jace confessed a hint of pride in his expression. "Turn around, Princess."

Following his instructions, Rhaenya felt the gentle touch of the necklace being secured around her neck. The purple stone perfectly complemented the color of her eyes. Turning to face Jace, she expressed her gratitude, her fingers delicately tracing the pendant.

"It fits you well, keep it safe," Jace smiled, his eyes reflecting a blend of his mother's warmth and his rumored father Ser Harwin Strong's strength.

Blushing, Rhaenya kissed Jace's cheek, declaring, "I love you, my Velaryon Prince. I'll see you tonight at dinner."

Jace responded with a polite nod as Rhaenya turned back to her lady. "You mustn't tell anyone, who gave me this necklace,"

The lady-in-waiting nodded as she escorted the princess back to her chambers. Upon their arrival, Rhaenya's ladies were already selecting an outfit for dinner.

Despite her decision towards a lighter tone, she resigned herself to the evening ahead, anticipating the discomfort of sitting next to her husband-brother Aemond.

As the appointed time approached, Aemond arrived to escort her. Seeing her in the green dress from earlier, he looked her up and down, seized her hand, and pressed a kiss upon it. Rhaenya, with a genuine smile, reciprocated by placing her hand on his chest.

"You look beautiful," Aemond complimented, his words sincere as his hand lingered near his mouth.

"Thank you," Rhaenya responded graciously. "You look fine, my dear husband."

Their exchange, though courteous, hinted at an underlying tension that promised an intriguing and perhaps chaotic dinner ahead.

Aemond smirked as he kissed her cheek and escorted her to the dining hall. Most people were there as in all of Rhaenyra and Daemon's children.

Only Helaena and Aegon were missing now, as Rhaenya was sat in between  Aemond and Daeron was next to her on her right side.

She sat right in front of Rhaena Targaryen, she smiled at her, a beautiful young girl she was. Rhaena sat beside her soon-to-be husband Lucerys, Lucreys smiled at Rhaenya who he was never scared of.

Rhaenya smiled back at Luke and she gave him a little head nod with a smile. Luke laughed a little which Rhaenya thought was adorable. He gave her his toothy smile and continued to talk with Rhaena.

Before she felt a nudge from Daeron. She rolled her eyes and she went stiff on her face. Finally, Aegon and Helaena arrived, Helaena looked exhausted and was ready to drink. Soon the King arrived and everyone got up from their seats and curtsied or bowed at him.

"How good it is... to see you all tonight... together," His dying voice said sitting down. 

Jace had a view from an angle to look at Rhaenya, Rhaenya wanted to look back at him but she couldn't. She was so tempted too but she was sitting in between her brothers and it was a risk to even look at him.

Then the Queen spoke, "Prayer before we begin?"

"Yes," Her father muttered.

Rhaenya put her hands together and put her head down and waited for her mother to speak.

"May the Mother smile down on this gathering with love? May the Smith mend the bonds that have been broken for far too long. And to Vaemond Velaryon, may the gods give him rest," She said finishing the prayer.

Rhaenya heard a chuckle and she knew it came from her Uncle Daemon. She opened her eyes and looked at him and then back to the King. Soon her father had more to say raising his glass.

"This is an occasion for celebration, it seems. My grandsons, Jace and Luke, will marry their cousins, Baela and Rhaena, further strengthening the bond between our houses. A toast to the young Princes... and they're betrothed.

"Hear Hear," everyone followed to say and her father wasn't quite done she thought.

"And to my daughter and son, Princess Rhaenya and Prince Aemond, my children I hope to have the best wishes for your marriage as it seems I will not be able to make it to the celebration of your first born child," Her father said, his voice shaking while he spoke.

Rhaenya looks down at her empty plate. She didn't know how to feel and she felt Aemond's hands resting on her thigh.

"It will be alright," He whispered and he gave his father a nod.

"Hear, hear," everyone said looking at the two, Rhaenya felt upset but she wasn't. She loved her father but she wasn't his top priority.

Rhaenya looked over to her niece Baela and she could see the disgust on her face from a comment she assumed Aegon had made. She looked at Aegon and then at Jace whom she finally made eye contact.

Awkward silence between everyone and it was even more awkward until her father spoke again.

"It both gladdens my heart and fills me with sorrow to see these faces around the table. The faces most dear to me in all the world... yet grown so distant from each other... in the years past," He hesitated with nearly every sentence.

Soon his mask fell onto the table relieving the rotten side of his face. Rhaenya gulped, she felt sorry for her father, who had been king for so long. His face was half gone, it was time for him to rest. He would not hesitate sadly.

"My face... is no longer a handsome one... if indeed it ever was. But tonight... I wish you to see me... as I am. Not just a king... but your father. Your brother. Your husband... and your grandsire," Who may not, seems... walk for much longer among you." He was breathing  heavily and soon enough his mask fell off onto the table.

Rhaenya gasped looking at her father's face while she quickly closed her mouth to look  down at her feet.

"Let us no longer hold ill feelings in our hearts. The crown cannot stand strong if the House of the Dragon remains divided. But set aside your grievances. If not for the sake of the crown... then for the sake of this old man who loves you all so dearly." Her father said, putting himself back in his chair.

Rhaenya sat quietly looking away and she let out a heavy sigh and Aemond held her hand. She looked at her father and then at Princess Rhaenyra who stood up and raised her glass.

"I wish to raise my cup to Her Grace, the Queen. I love my father. But I must admit that no one has stood... more loyally by his side than his good wife," She softly said to her mother. "She has tended to him with... unfailing devotion, love, and honor. And for that, she has my gratitude... and my apology,"

Rhaenya looked at the Princess with a smile, remembering that night she yelled at her mother that she would rather be Rhaenyra's daughter than hers.

"Your graciousness moves me deeply, Princess," Her mother started, and then she spoke again. "We are both mothers... and we love our children. We share more in common than we sometimes allow. I raise my cup to you... and to your house. You will make a fine queen," Queen Alicent spoke with a nodded smile.

The room was very silent and Rhaenya leaned  herself back on her chair. She heard Aegon talking to Jace and food was coming around and more drinks.

Before Rhaenya could say more, a toast by Jacaecrys and he got up and raised his glass. All eyes went to Jace. The room was even tenser than ever.

Rhaenya's eyes went to Jace and she smiled at him, "To Prince Aegon and... Prince Aemond. We have not seen each other in years, but I have fond memories of our shared youth. And as men, I hope we may yet be friends and allies. And to Rhaenya, I wish you a long happy healthy pregnancy. To you and your family smiled at him, dear uncles."

Jace smiled at Aegon and Aegon glared at him with hatred before anyone else could speak. Jace looked at Rhaenya, and Rhaenya looked at Jace with a blushing smile. Then Rhaenya got up, as  Aemond was still standing.

"To Prince Jacaerys and Prince Lucerys, a great childhood we had together and I am proud of your official betrothal to your cousins, Lady Baela and Lady Rhaena. To the beautiful ladies, I wish you the best for your marriage," Rhaenya smiled while taking a drink from her cup.

She sat back down with a smile on her face and then her sister got up and she raised her glass.

"I would like to toast to Baela, Rhaena.  They'll be married soon. It isn't so bad. Mostly he ignores you... except sometimes when he's drunk," Helaena stretched her arms in awkwardness.

Daeron looked at his sister who sat back down at her table. Daeron was about to get up to toast before Rhaenya stopped him. Soon main courses of meals were placed and the King asked for some lively music.

The tension that had gripped the room began to dissipate, replaced by an unexpected scene of courtly diversion. Jacaerys, rising from his seat, extended an invitation to dance to Helaena, his eyes brimming with a mischievous spark.

All eyes turned to the pair, the clear electricity of sibling rivalry hanging in the air. Aemond couldn't help but find amusement in his little sister's visible jealousy, a wry smile playing on his lips.

Meanwhile, Luke, another of Alicent's children, emerged from his chair with a smile directed at Rhaena. With a courteous gesture, he approached the other side of the table, his gaze fixed on the princess.

"Princess Rhaenya, would you like to have this dance with me?" Luke asked, his head tilted slightly in an inviting manner.

A genuine smile graced Rhaenya's face. "Of course, my Prince," she replied, allowing Luke to assist her in rising from her seat.

The pair joined the dance floor, their movements initially awkward due to the significant height difference. Side by side with Jace and Helaena, they swayed to the music.

Aemond's gaze, however, remained fixed on Luke, a silent disapproval simmering in his eyes as he observed the joyous dance between the two.

"Luke, when will you get taller?" Rhaenya teased, laughter bubbling from her lips as they twirled around the dance floor. For a fleeting moment, a rare and genuine smile adorned her face.

"Oh, that's not cool!" Luke retorted, chuckling as their hands touched, creating an ephemeral connection between them. "I am much younger than you!"

The laughter echoed in the hall, a melody of joy that resonated through the room. It had indeed been a long time since Rhaenya experienced such genuine happiness, especially in the company of her siblings.

Alicent, observing the scene, couldn't help but smile. She leaned over to her father, a sense of satisfaction in her voice. "I have not seen her so happy in a long time, both of them."

The grand feast took an unexpected turn as Rhaenya's father was led away by guards. The court bowed and curtsied in respect, but the music resumed, and the celebration continued. Rhaenya and Luke, having danced their fill, decided to take an early break and settled into their seats.

However, tension simmered among the siblings. Daeron, fixated on Aemond, sternly warned Rhaenya, "Do not ever dance with him again!"

Rhaenya, unyielding, shot back, "Shut your mouth and eat your damn food!"

"You're not my mom!" Daeron retorted in a loud whisper, prompting laughter from Alicent, who had overheard the sibling banter.

As more dishes were served, the pièce de résistance arrived – a grand platter with a whole pig placed directly in front of Aemond.

Suppressing a laugh, Rhaenya patted his arm, offering reassurance, and kissed his hand. Luke's smirk only fueled Aemond's irritation, leading him to bang his hand on the table, silencing the room.

The abrupt interruption caught the attention of Helaena and Jace, their curious eyes turning towards the unfolding drama. Rhaenya, locked eyes with her brother, pleading for him not to.

Aemond, however, raised his glass, proposing a toast. "To the health of my nephews, Jace, Luke, and Joffrey. Each of them, handsome, wise, strong." He emphasized each quality with a pause, making the atmosphere thick with tension.

Rhaenya interjected, "Aemond."

Aemond, meeting her gaze, added with a smirk, "Come, let us drain our cups to these three strong boys."

Jace, unable to contain his anger, shouted and punched Aemond across the face. The room erupted into chaos as Aegon retaliated, hitting Luke on the head. Daeron, in a fit of rage, lunged at Prince Daemon.

Amidst the brawl, Alicent's stern voice cut through, demanding an end to the chaos. The room was divided into two factions – The Greens and The Blacks.

Alicent, directing her disappointment at Aemond, whispered, "Why would you say such a thing before these people?"

Aemond chuckled, "I was merely expressing how proud I am of my family, Mother. Though it seems my nephews aren't quite as proud of theirs."

The fighting continued, as all three of the princes went after someone on the other side... and Rhaenya tried in vain to stop Aemond. However, Prince Daemon intervened, protecting Rhaenyra and her boys. Rhaenyra commanded her children to go to their quarters, restoring a semblance of order.

Rhaenyra and Daemon left the room, and Rhaenya, looking at Aemond and her mother, took Aemond's hands, leading him on a quiet walk through the castle.

"I think tonight was a wonderful night, besides when you called them Strongs... and got hit in the face," Rhaenya remarked, her voice soft as they strolled through the dimly lit corridors.

Aemond looked at his wife. They stood behind a window and moonlight shone over them. He grabbed her chin and lifted it, "You will never let a Strong boy touch you ever again!"

Rhaenya looked directly at the eyes of her brother and she nodded, her arms wrapped around his neck. She wasn't even sure what love felt like anymore, possibly now she was in love. No, she couldn't be, she was in love with Jacaerys Velaryon. Her heart only belonged to him.

Rhaenya looked down at the lips of her husband and couldn't hesitate but to get onto her tippy toes and kiss him. It was a genuine feeling of love... Was it love... or was it just all mind tricks in her head?

Aemond tenderly took hold of his wife's hands, the bond of union guiding them to his private chambers. With a gentle grace, he assisted her onto the bed, a silent understanding passing between them.

As she nestled into the softness of the bedding, he took her in his arms gently trying to comfort her from all the struggles through pregnancy.

For Rhaenya, being held by Aemond was confusing. It was meant to make her feel safe, but instead, she still felt cold inside. Even though she was in his arms, she couldn't shake off the feeling that something bad was waiting to happen, making it hard for her to find any real comfort.

Rhaenya released a small sigh, her eyes betraying a lingering sadness that seemed to resist the comfort promised by their intimate moments. Unspoken emotions hung in the air like a delicate veil, shrouding the room with a noticeable tension.

Despite the unspoken confusion, Rhaenya chose to keep her inner struggles concealed, opting for fragile peacefulness rather than confrontational words. Aemond, sensing her silent contemplation, began to caress her head with a tenderness that sought to bridge the emotional distance between them.

She shifted to where she was facing him... His hand, a comforting presence, went down to her round belly, a silent acknowledgment. She allowed him, she didn't mind him at the moment...she was quite still and she didn't move. Only looking into his eye... she just rested close to him.

Aemond's head slowly tilted down as their foreheads met, Rhaenya's breathing depended as she was seen to be scared. She couldn't face his eyes, she stood there as their fingers intertwined in silence.